Natural lakes, a fragile heritage

The waters of the Petit Maclu and the Grand Maclu feed the lake of Ilay. Each occupies a shallow basin dug out by the glaciers around 20,000 years ago.
These lakes are mainly surrounded by a wide diversity of vegetation, called low-marshes, wet tall-herb and fern fringes or peat bogs. Some reed beds also develop there. Insects flourish here due to the high quality of the environment, in particular dragonflies who vary in colour. The Eurasian coot is the most faithful bird to these lakes. Not very discreet, it is recognisable by its trumpeting cries of warning.